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The differences between interior designers and design consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an interior designer and a design consultant. Additionally, a design consultant has an average salary of $77,803, which is higher than the $52,482 average annual salary of an interior designer.
The top three skills for an interior designer include revit, space planning and sketch. The most important skills for a design consultant are product knowledge, java, and design process.
| Interior Designer | Design Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $52,482 | $77,803 |
| Hourly rate | $25.23 | $37.41 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 48,020 | 59,470 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An interior designer helps people decorate their rooms and spaces, creating the most functional and beautiful area as possible. They sit with clients to plan desired goals, visualize the space's functions, and sketch the design plan. Then, they pick and order materials and furnishings needed for the project. Additionally, they create a project timeline, estimate cost, and supervise the construction and installation. They follow-up with clients to guarantee their satisfaction once the project is completed. Interior designers should have an understanding of building and construction as well as public safety and security. They must be flexible in their time since they work to meet client needs.
A design consultant is an individual who provides expertise incorporating functionality and aesthetics to a space or product based on the evaluation of the needs of customers or clients. Design consultants may collaborate with other professionals such as architects, graphic designers, or fashion designers to cater to the needs of their customers. They assist in improving existing designs, either in interior designs, fashions, or graphics. Design consultants may also work in different work settings like retail stores, architectural companies, or graphic design firms.
Interior designers and design consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Interior Designer | Design Consultant | |
| Average salary | $52,482 | $77,803 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $78,000 | Between $50,000 And $119,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | German International School New York | Slalom |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Technology |
There are a few differences between an interior designer and a design consultant in terms of educational background:
| Interior Designer | Design Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Interior Design |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between interior designers' and design consultants' demographics:
| Interior Designer | Design Consultant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 21.0% Female, 79.0% | Male, 48.1% Female, 51.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.6% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 1.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.6% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 23% | 23% |